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Its deal with Sirius comes with the option to extend by another three years and increase volume by a million tonnes a year.

Sirius will deliver up to 750,000 tonnes a year by the seventh year.

Chris Fraser, managing director and chief executive officer, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with one of the largest and most established fertilizer buyers and distributors in South East Asia.

Work starts at Woodsmith Mine (Image: Peter Reimann)

“Wilmar is a partner with the capacity to reach a diverse customer base through well established, trusted relationships.

“South East Asia is a fast-growing market which provides Sirius with an attractive opportunity to further diversify and grow our current portfolio of customers.”

Construction on the 37km tunnel, which transfers the potash to Teesside for processing, will start around mid-2018.